Ogun begins N5bn palliatives for households, students, others.

Ogun begins N5bn palliatives for households, students, others.

Ogun State Government said it will embark on immediate N5bn worth of intervention to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship on residents. 

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who announced this on Wednesday evening during the emergency briefing of newsmen inside Chief Olusegun Osoba Press Centre at Oke Mosan Governor’s Office Abeokuta, said the intervention covers grants to indigent students, food palliative to vulnerable households, insurance cover for pregnant women and gradual offsetting outstanding deductions.

Breaking it down, Abiodun announced N50,000 grants will be given to each of the 27,600 students of Ogun indigene spread across the tertiary institutions in the country while N10,000 will be paid to each of the 100,000 pupils/students in public primary and secondary schools in addition to donation of five pieces of exercise books to the 850,000 students in public primary and secondary schools.

The Governor said garri, rice and other food items will be distributed to 300,000 households in the State while N500million will be committed monthly towards offsetting the outstanding and unremitted workers deduction.

Abiodun said: “Today, we come together in the face of the prevailing economic realities vis a viz: high inflation and currency devaluation in the country.As an Administration, we are not oblivious nor insensitive to these challenges being faced by our citizens.

” I therefore on behalf of this Government, want to appreciate the perseverance, patience and understanding of all the good people of Ogun State.Let me assure you that the present economic situation is just a transient phase that will soon pass.

“Whatever we experience now are just necessary sacrifices that we have to make towards ensuring a greater tomorrow. In a special way, we extend our appreciation to the President and Commander-In-Chief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his continuous efforts in navigating the complexities of our nation’s economic landscape. His dedication to steering the ship through turbulent times has not gone unnoticed. Even the IMF and World Bank have commended these initiatives.It is this sincerity of purpose that is the main ingredient of the continued success of the “Renewed Hope” Agenda.

” The Federal Government is not only steadfast in its commitment towards creating a brighter future for all citizens, but is also trying hard to foster a society where prosperity and well-being of the entire citizens prevail.As a State, we identify with this beacon of “Renewed Hope” in these challenging times. Together, we shall overcome the adversities and build a stronger, more resilient nation.

“As our administration acknowledges the concerns raised by many of our citizens regarding the rising food prices and shortages, coupled with the depreciation of the Naira, we identify with you and are taking proactive measures to alleviate the impact of these challenges to guarantee the welfare, well-being and wellness of our citizens in this difficult time.In this direction and through targeted interventions, we aim to address these challenges by implementing a series of phased initiatives aimed at alleviating these burdens on all our citizens.

“The State has taken the following steps:Education Sector:Providing a minimum of 5 exercise books for all 850,000 students in our public primary and secondary schools. Providing a one-time N10,000 education support grant for at least 100,000 pupils in our public primary and secondary schools in the state.Providing all 27,600 indigent students in tertiary institutions nationwide with an education grant of N50,000 each.

“Health Sector:We will be providing insurance health cover for over 70,000 beneficiaries to include pregnant women, children, the elderly, market women and other members of the informal sector. More specifically, for pregnant women, under our Ibidero Scheme, we would be providing free pre-natal care, an additional N5,000 per birth and free post-natal care in our State Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centers across the State.

“Food Palliatives: Provision of food palliatives to include rice and other food items for about 300,000 households across the State. Civil Servants:The State Government will commence to offset the backlog of inherited deductions. To this end, we are immediately committing N500M monthly payment towards outstanding deductions. It is noteworthy that we have continued to pay N10,000 transport allowance to all civil servants for the last 8 moths.This brings our total immediate interventions as a responsible State Government to about N5Bn across all sectors of the State economy.

“Our primary responsibility as a government is to provide security of lives and properties to all residents in the State. I have met with the law enforcement agencies in our State and let me be clear, I will not allow anyone to test our will. Anyone who wants to test our will, will do so at their own peril. While the road ahead may be challenging, your patience, understanding and cooperation are crucial as we navigate these challenging times together.

“Together, we will work towards building a society that leaves no one behind which is also the essence of the successful implementation of our “Building our Future Together” Agenda & the “Renewed Hope.”

Gov Oyebanji Engages Finance Minister Wale Edun to Enhance Ekiti's Economic Growth.

Gov Oyebanji Engages Finance Minister Wale Edun to Enhance Ekiti's Economic Growth.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji, engaged in a significant meeting on Wednesday, February 14th, with the Minister for Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja. The meeting, attended by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akin Oyebode, centered on critical fiscal and economic matters, focusing on the economic development of the state.

The administration under Governor Oyebanji's leadership is leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of strategic partnerships aimed at fostering the economic growth of Ekiti State. The meeting with the Finance Minister is part of a series of engagements and collaborations with federal government agencies, development agencies, and private sector entities. These efforts are directed towards realizing the shared prosperity agenda of the government and driving sustainable development across the state.

The discussions underscored the commitment of the BAO administration to exploring avenues for economic advancement and leveraging partnerships to enhance the socioeconomic landscape of Ekiti State. Further details on specific outcomes from the meeting and actionable strategies for economic development are expected to emerge in the coming days.

Ekiti Govt Tightens Noose Against Criminals, Distributes Gadgets to Security Agencies.

Ekiti Govt Tightens Noose Against Criminals, Distributes Gadgets to Security Agencies.

....Says agencies must step up safety efforts.

Resolute to rid the State of criminals, the Ekiti State government, has distributed gadgets to security outfits operating in the state, calling for more decisive and spirited actions to totally rout marauding kidnappers and killers out of the state.

Describing the war against kidnappers and vampires as total, the government appealed to security agencies to redouble efforts to foster safety in Ekiti, saying no effort will be spared to halt senseless abduction and killing of citizens under any guise.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said these in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, while distributing safety gadgets to heads of security agencies in the state.

Still smarting from the killings of two traditional rulers and abduction of school children by gunmen, Mrs Afuye, represented by the Permanent Secretary in her office, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, said the measure was part of the actions being taken by Governor Biodun Oyebanji to fortify the security agencies.

The Deputy Governor disclosed that the materials were provided by Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) in partnership with the Ekiti State Government to reinforce security and ward off criminals threatening the state.

Expressing that Governor Oyebanji is passionate about providing adequate security and alleviating the sufferings of victims of natural and man made disasters, Mrs Afuye, revealed that a staggering sum of N45 million was distributed to those who fell victim of such occurrences in 2023 .

"Action that Governor Oyebanji wants tight security in Ekiti was in display recently when he had to travel far and near for the release of the abducted pupils and their teachers as well as the arrest of some of the killers of two traditional rulers in Ekiti.

"However, in the fulfilment of this administration's promise to be responsive, Governor Oyebanji has approved over N45m to victims of fire and rainstorm disasters as collated and recommended by SEMA in year 2023.

"I want to appeal to our security agencies here today to step up their games and positively utilise the gadgets released to them to provide security cover that will be enough to safeguard the lives and property of our citizens.

"To us as a government, war against criminal elements is total and we shall pursue this with every constitutional means available to guarantee safety of our citizens".

In his submission, the General Manager, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Oludare Asaolu, applauded the federal government for partnering the state government for the distribution of cash gift and relief materials to victims of fire and rainstorm disasters in Ekiti. 

"You may recall that between January and February, 2024, school pupils and their teachers were kidnapped and two traditional rulers killed in our state. These ugly incidents led to the declaration of state of emergency on security by Governor Biodun Oyebanji. 

"The combined efforts of Governor Oyebanji and security agencies yielded positive results in the release of the pupils , their teachers and the arrest of some of the killers of the two traditional rulers.

"Let me appreciate the federal government for the release of the security gadgets to security agencies to boost the morale of our security officers who are fighting day and night to curb insecurity across the state.

"What you are getting today is a support from government to boost your morale and productivity in safeguarding lives and property of all Ekiti residents". 

After meeting with Service chiefs, Senate hopeful of better security.

After meeting with Service chiefs, Senate hopeful of better security.

For hours yesterday, the Senate was locked in a meeting with Service chiefs, Defence ministers and heads of the various security agencies.

Details of discussions at the meeting were not made known to reporters. But the Senate expressed confidence of a more secured environment.

It commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his determination to secure lives and property.

The Senate also passed a vote of confidence the Service chiefs and security outfits for their efforts so far.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the resolutions after a 10-hour meeting behind closed doors with the Security shiefs and minister.

The Red Chamber had last week summoned the security chiefs and relevant ministers to brief it on the rising spate of insecurity.

At the meeting were: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) Yusuf Magaji Bichi.

Others are: National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Finance and Coordinating for the Economy Olawale Edun; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Geidam and Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

Akpabio said “The Senate thereafter commended Mr. President for his determination and focus for ensuring the security of lives and property.

“The Senate also commends the security chiefs for their efforts so far and particularly commend our men and women in uniform and the leaders of various communities who even in the face of difficulties pay supreme sacrifice in order to ensure that they keep their various communities safe.

“The Senate is hopeful that the suggestions made to the security chiefs and the interactions so far will help to bring about a better Nigeria and a more secured nation, a urges them to go with all the suggestions made here and the revelations received here and use them as template for future actions.

“On behalf of the entire Senate of the Federal Republicans of Nigeria, thank all the security chiefs and thank the ministers and the National Security Adviser an also commend all the security chiefs, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the ministers.

“It was particularly pointed out that if the Honourable Minister of Interior should implement the unified system of identification, where the NIN number, the BVN and the VIN can all can at a press of a button bring out all the particulars concerning anybody that it would be a better thing for Nigeria. It is quite revolutionary and we are quite impressed with the briefing we received.

“You also pointed out that is now easier to get the Nigerian passport outside the country. This is a major improvement.

“For the security chiefs we assure you of the continuous support of not just this Senate but the that of the National Assembly.

“Today, we have not only passed a vote of confidence in you but we have also expressed to you our readiness to work hand in hand with you in all you do.”

44.2% pass WASSCE with five Credits.

44.2% pass WASSCE with five Credits.

Forty-four per cent of candidates who wrote the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates in last year’s Second Series recorded Credits in five subjects, including English and Mathematics.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which announced the release of the results yesterday, said 80,904 candidates wrote the examination.

In a statement by the Acting Head of the examination body’s Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, on behalf of the Head of National Office, Dr. Josiah Dangut, WAEC listed the percentage of successful candidates in the examination.

The council noted that the percentage of candidates in this category in WASSCE for Private Candidates 2021 and 2022 – Second Series, that is, those who obtained Credit and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, was 48.61 per cent and 42.16 per cent.

It said there was a marginal increase of 2.13 per cent in the candidates’ performance.

WAEC also said 57.19 per cent of the candidates obtained Credit and above in a minimum of five subjects with or without English Language and/or Mathematics.

The council said the results of 7,192 candidates, representing 8.89 per cent of the total number that sat the examination, were being withheld in connection with various reported cases of examination malpractice.

“Candidates may check their results by visiting www.waecdirect.org and ascertain their status before visiting the Digital Certificate platform (www.waec.org) to access the digital copies of their certificates, which have been released along with their results.

“Candidates may also be required to apply for the printing of the hard copies of their certificates, online, through the WAEC Certificate Request Portal (e-Certman) website: https://certrequest.waec.ng/,” WAEC said.

Shettima inaugurates panel on herder-farmer clash.

Shettima inaugurates panel on herder-farmer clash.

The Federal Government yesterday inaugurated a steering committee to implement its ‘Pulaku Initiative aimed at addressing the root causes of farmer–herder clashes in the country.

Under the initiative, the government will construct houses, roads, schools and provide essential facilities in seven pilot states— Sokoto, Kebbi, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kaduna.  

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who performed the ceremony in Abuja, explained that Pulaku represented one of the ways through which President Tinubu desires to fulfil his promise to improve the lives of all Nigerians.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Dangiwa chairs the committee, which has representatives of governors of the benefiting states as some of the members.

Others include Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari; representatives of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Director- General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), BUA Group, Dangote Group and the Director-General of the National Emergency Agency(NEMA).

Shettima, in a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, said Pulaku should be seen as an emergency to tackle a challenge that has threatened the fabric of Nigeria.

The statement partly reads: “The aim is to create an environment where the prosperity of our people is not just a distant dream but a tangible and achievable reality. This comprehensive approach reflects our dedication to fostering sustainable development and improving the lives of all citizens.  

“The initiative will address a challenge that has persisted across various generations and demands our collective resolve, our optimum sense of justice, and unconditional compassion.

“This is not merely a response but a call to action. We are here because each of our programmes or policies will falter unless we get to the root of the dysfunctions we have inherited.” 

Explaining the idea of focusing on the seven states, the Vice President said, “The selection of these states is a deliberate and strategic approach. The aim is to generate ripple effects that will not only revitalise communities but also lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and cohesive Nigeria.”

Shettima explained that the Pulaku resettlement is “a national commitment to confront a threat that has fuelled distrust and conflicts within communities and across the boundaries of our federation.

“This non-kinetic solution is not designed to compensate any particular group or region. Therefore, we must cast aside any notion of divisive regionalism and see the Pulaku initiative for what it truly is—a practical response to a shared challenge,” he added.

Urging all stakeholders to embrace the initiative, he said, “Let our legacy be measured not in the structures we build but in the lives we uplift, the unity we restore, and the collective strength of a nation rising above its challenges.”

The inauguration of the committee was witnessed by Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Uba Sani (Kaduna) Mohammed Bago (Niger), Nasir Idris (Kebbi ), Dikko Radah (Katsina) and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara). 

Others were EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede; Director-General of NEMA Ahmed Habib; and Director-General of Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Mamman Ahmadu.

Lagos inaugurates task force to end street begging.

Lagos inaugurates task force to end street begging.

The Lagos State Ministry of Youths and Social Development has established a Special Task Force to eradicate street begging in the state.

The Task Force comprises representatives from various government bodies, including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Youth, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency, Lagos State Task Force, and the Nigeria Police Force.

The spokesperson for the ministry, Adeola Olabisi, in a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Wednesday, stated that the inauguration took place at the state secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, adding that the Commissioner of the Ministry of Youths and Social Development, Abolaji Ogunlende, was appointed as the Chairman.

Olabisi also noted that the commissioner, during the brief ceremony, said the Special Task Force was necessary due to the insufficient results from previous efforts, such as stakeholder meetings with Arewa community chiefs and sensitisation programmes.

The statement added that the commissioner emphasised the present administration’s commitment to enhancing the social safety net while addressing the issue of street begging.

“Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, emphasised the importance of taking decisive steps to combat street begging.

“Additionally, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu advised the Task Force to implement immediate, medium, and long-term measures to address the menace of street begging,” the statement partly read.

Olabisi added that resolutions from the inaugural meeting included embarking on extensive sensitisation and advocacy, issuing a seven-day ultimatum, conducting rescue operations, relocating apprehended beggars to either Agbowa or Igando Internally Displaced Persons camps, and strengthening penalties for street begging through legislative action by the State House of Assembly